Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: BJP Medical Cell today said that a study over four weeks showed that 41%-56% of households surveyed in low- and middle-income countries had solely spent their health expenses on medicines.
“A study over four weeks showed that 41%-56% of households surveyed in low- and middle-income countries had solely spent their health expenses on medicines,” said BJP Medical Cell President Dr Shekhar Salkar.
He further said that another study from three north Indian states on the burden of medicines showed that the reason for debt was the medical expenditure in 25% of the urban households and 19% of rural households, which suggested that the poor were approaching lenders for borrowing money or selling their assets to meet the healthcare expenses.
“Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a campaign launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals and medical devices (PMBI), Government of India, to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses through special kendras known as Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendra,” said Salkar.
He said that in 2015-16 there were 250 stores. Now in 2021, there are more than 8000 stores across India. In 2012-14 the total sale of medicines through the Jana aushadi Kendra was 12 CR; it has been increased to 665 CR in the year 2020-21.
“Government grants of up to Rs. 2.5 lakhs are provided for setting up of PMBJKs, which can be set up by doctors, pharmacists, entrepreneurs, Self Help Groups (SHGs), NGOs, charitable societies, etc., at any suitable place or outside the hospital premises,” he added.